Hughton is facing toughest of tests

Oct 20 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Chris Hughton has overcome scepticism and suspicion to earn his right to the Newcastle United manager’s job. But the hard work starts here. Mark Douglas reports

Shearer is disappointed he will not get the chance to implement the root and branch reform he had planned in the wake of relegation, but he will maintain a respectful distance.

Whatever he says or does, it is inevitable that mentions of his name will rise to a crescendo if results do not pick up again. Few other managers in the Football League will be required to operate under that kind of pressure.

The hope must be that he is allowed the chance to be judged on results – and that supporters don’t lump him in with the regime paying his wages.

Hughton may have benefited from the chaos Ashley has inflicted on the club, but it is important to draw a distinction between him and one of his recent predecessors.

Unlike Kinnear, he is not a willing accomplice in Ashley’s reckless administration, and he will not allow himself be used as a mouthpiece to propagate boardroom misinformation.

His unassuming manner should not be misinterpreted as a willingness to be manipulated or used by a board reviled on Tyneside.

Ashley and his cohorts have been exposed as liars willing to use the media and their own website to mislead supporters – Hughton is honest, polite and respectful to a fault.

While the mob inhabiting the boardroom have proved on a consistent basis the breadth of their football knowledge could be fitted on a postage stamp, Hughton has a wealth of experience accrued in a 32-year career at the top of the game.

He will need every single drop of that if he is to make the most of his big chance.